Mayor Michael A. Guido appointed James J. O’Connor, previously employed by the City in the Finance Department for more than seven years, to the position of finance director, in August 1999. He has more than 20 years experience in financial administration, accounting and budgeting.

O'Connor earned his Bachelor of Science Administration, Professional Accounting degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. His professional memberships include: the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), Michigan Government Finance Officers Association (MGFOA), Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, Municipal Treasurers' Association of the United States and Canada, Michigan Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems (MAPERS), and the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS).

O'Connor is a longtime resident of Dearborn, a graduate of Edsel Ford High School, Henry Ford Community College and the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

He is a member of the Dearborn Goodfellows and the Dearborn Optimist Club. He is the father of five children.